Easy Southwest Shrimp Salad Recipes

SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the salad, in any order you like.
• Drizzle a frying pan with olive oil.
• Cook the shrimp over medium heat, seasoning it with mostly taco seasoning, and a few dashes of Chili Powder and garlic salt. Allow the cook to shrimp evenly, periodically drizzling with lime juice, and a small dash of cayenne pepper. (That cayenne pepper can be powerful!).
• While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the dressing. Whisk the sour cream, light mayo and taco seasoning in a small bowl. Sprinkle with the seasonings and lime juice to taste. If you prefer a creamier dressing, use less lime juice.
• Top the previously prepared salad with the shrimp and then with your desired amount of dressing.

SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP SALAD WITH SPICY SOUTHWESTERN DRESSING

Steps:

• For the Shrimp:.
• In a deep medium bowl, combine first 9 marinade ingredients, blending well. Add shrimp, coating each well with marinade. Cover and refrigerate 30 to 45 minutes to allow shrimp to absorb marinade flavors.
• While shrimp are marinating, prepare fruit and vegetables; set aside.
• Remove shrimp from marinade, discarding marinade. In a medium heavy skillet, saute shrimp in 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons hot oil for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are opaque in color and cut easily with a fork and are done. Do not overcook as shrimp will become tough.
• Arrange salad greens on each of four dinner plates, dividing evenly. Top each with sauteed shrimp, fruit, vegetables and snipped cilantro. Drizzle a small amount of Southwestern-style Vinaigrette Dressing over each salad. Garnish each with shredded cheese of choice, sliced olives, and a sprig of cilantro, if desired.
• For the Dressing:.
• In a deep small bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients, blending well. With a wire whisk, gradually add both olive oil and salad oil, whisking until mixture is smooth and well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste, whisking to blend. Or, combine vinegar and oil in a blender container; cover and blend until mixture is smooth.
• Add remaining ingredients, stirring by hand to mix. Dressing may be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, in a glass container for up to 1 week. Variation: Omit vinegar and use 1/3 to 1/2 cup lime juice. May add 1 teaspoon grated lime peel to dressing, if desired.

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD WITH SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add shrimp; season with salt and pepper. Cook until opaque throughout, 5 to 6 minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, avocado, cucumber, and red onion. In a small bowl, combine chile, lime juice, and honey; season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons oil. To serve, top salad with shrimp, drizzle with dressing, and sprinkle with cilantro.